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Leicester Tigers winger Miles Benjamin determined to return to action

Miles Benjamin is using Leicester team-mates Tom Croft and Geoff Parling as inspiration as he looks to return to action.

By Tony Curtis - Follow me on Twitter @SkysportsTC

Last Updated: 03/05/13 8:13am

The England Saxons winger made the switch to the Tigers from Worcester last summer with high hopes of making the next step in a promising career.

However he has yet to make a first-team appearance for the club after suffering a serious neck injury in an A League game in September.

And with the 2012-13 season written off, Benjamin is determined to follow the examples of Croft and Parling - who have both gone on to earn call-ups to the British and Irish Lions squad having suffered similar injuries.

"I fractured a bone in my neck in September and initially I was told it would heal on its own after three or four months," Benjamin told Sky Sports.

"However after waiting and wearing a neck brace for three months it hadn't improved so I had an operation in January and I have been recovering well.

"Tom Croft and Geoff Parling have both recovered from similar injuries so they are good examples for me of what can be done."

Ambitions

Despite the obvious disappointment of having seen his career stall because of the injury, Benjamin remains very much focused on the future.

"It was definitely a sickener," he said. "I am not going to lie as I've got big ambitions in the game. I want to win trophies and international recognition and I felt good about doing that here.

"Unfortunately this is all out of my control as you can't plan for injuries. It is just something you have to deal with.

"I should be good to go for pre-season as it has been so far so good in terms of recovery."

Miles Benjamin was speaking on behalf of QBE, the business insurance specialist, who are supporting the development of rugby through the QBE Coaching Programme. For exclusive rugby news, video and blogs please visit www.QBErugby.com